The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Trump Panics as Epstein Class is Finally Exposed!!!
Date: February 21, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Guest: Graham Platner (Senate candidate, Maine)
Episode Overview
In this episode, the Meiselas brothers dive deep into the developing revelations about what they dub the “Epstein class”—the global group of ultra-wealthy elites enmeshed in corruption, tax evasion, and the Epstein scandal. The episode explores the increasing bipartisan public awareness of systemic elite corruption, the need for political accountability, and how the upcoming election cycle represents a critical moment for transformative policy. The brothers are joined by Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, whose campaign focuses on fighting this entrenched power structure.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The “Epstein Class” Exposed
[00:22-05:36]
- The hosts discuss how the Epstein files have exposed a wealthy class that manipulates global political and economic systems for personal enrichment, often with impunity.
- The conversation highlights bipartisan outrage: “People are sick and tired of it and it’s not a partisan thing anymore… covering up child sex trafficking… an issue that impacts people and people covering it up need to be brought to justice.” (Host, 01:14)
- The episode references recent right-wing commentary (Andrew Schulz, Sean Ryan) expressing similar anger over systemic elite corruption.
- There’s specific mention of Howard Lutnick and his alleged business dealings related to the Supreme Court and tariff bets.
2. Public Awakening & Cultural Shifts
[05:36-07:02]
- Graham Platner joins and notes the “zeitgeist shift” as Americans from all backgrounds realize their exploitation by a powerful few:
- “A lot of us have understood… there is a class of people that exist above accountability, that exists kind of above even, like, the concept of the nation state… What the Epstein files are showing us is just how true that actually is and also just how depraved that level of power and wealth can make people.” (Platner, 05:59)
- He observes a new unity across the political spectrum in demanding accountability.
3. Trump’s Deception and the Epstein Class
[07:02-08:04]
- The hosts argue that Donald Trump effectively convinced people he was fighting this corrupt group, when he’s actually their chief representative:
- “He convinced the people... that… he was the one who was going to get them and fight them and be the one who destroyed the deep state and took it all down, when, in fact, he's the leader of the cabal.” (Host, 07:17)
- Trump insiders continue “running interference,” with recent events like the Mar-a-Lago crypto summit showcasing their brazenness.
4. Crypto Grifts & International Links
[09:25-10:32]
- The Trump family’s crypto summit and links to international figures (including Putin) reveal the reach of the new “money-making scheme.”
- “In the Epstein files, you see Epstein talking to these same types of people about getting Putin involved in crypto and launching it.” (Host, 09:53)
- Platner says, “In reality, it was all just a money-making scheme for those who already had plenty of money… extracting wealth out of working people” (Platner, 10:38)
5. Failing Economic Promises & Policy Critique
[11:29-15:16]
- The hosts address recent disappointing economic data: stagnant GDP, rising inflation, and a “jobs recession.”
- Discussion of Trump’s empty populist promises, like $2,000 checks in lieu of substantive policy.
- “For Donald Trump, it is to tell people who are suffering, we're going to give you $2,000… And then he never actually even gives the money.” (Host, 12:07)
- Platner calls for real solutions, not “bait and switch” tactics typical of both Trump and establishment Republicans:
- “Republican policies will never actually fix it even when they claim that it will. We know that it's going to always benefit those who are benefiting now, which is not working people in this country.” (Platner, 14:26)
- “The actual answer is going after the Epstein class, going after the billionaires, going after the oligarchy and breaking their power.” (Platner, 15:12)
6. Opportunity for Structural Reform
[15:16-20:30]
- The moment is ripe for the Democrats (and any willing coalition) to embrace ambitious systemic reform rather than just acquiring power:
- “What's the purpose of control if you don't do with control things that actually help the people?” (Host, 15:20)
- Platner champions bold ideas:
- “If we can put together a coalition of people who actually want to fight for systemic change… like what we did in the Great Depression, large public works programs, rebuilding our infrastructure, rebuilding our transportation, rebuilding our energy grid…” (Platner, 17:06)
- He cautions against complacency: “If establishment Democrats coast back to power… but we elect people that have no interest in actually trying to make systemic change… I fear we might not get this chance again if we let the American people down one more time.” (Platner, 19:35)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the “Epstein Class”
- “We are simply a vessel for them to exploit for their own enrichment. If we want Americans to have faith in our institutions, the Epstein class must receive the highest punishment of the law imaginable.” (Quoting Andrew Schulz, 01:12)
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On public awakening:
- “Down here in the real world, we actually are just there to be exploited by a small group of people who in some ways are just kind of running the world for their own benefit. And the Epstein files show that in glaring fashion.” (Platner, 06:20)
-
On Trump and his allies:
- “The only way that we’re gonna move forward is by frankly building the political power to hold all these people accountable…” (Platner, 06:56)
-
On the farce of crypto as democratization:
- “It was all just a money-making scheme for those who already had plenty of money… That are just ways of extracting wealth out of working people.” (Platner, 10:38)
-
On Democratic Party vision:
- “If you get power for power’s sake, you actually don’t have any power…. We need to re-engage… with the concept of using our imaginations to envision a better future for all Americans.” (Platner, 17:20)
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On the stakes of the present moment:
- “Donald Trump is terrible, but at least he’s incompetent. I do fear what the next thing is…” (Platner, 19:44)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:22 – Episode theme introduced: Epstein class corruption exposed
- 05:36 – Graham Platner joins; discussing cultural shift in awareness
- 07:02 – Trump as personification of the Epstein class
- 08:04 – Trump insiders run interference; Mar-a-Lago crypto summit
- 09:25 – Links between Epstein files, international actors, crypto
- 11:29 – Economic critique: jobs, inflation, empty promises
- 16:44 – What Democrats should do with power; coalition-building
- 17:06 – Platner on public works and bold policy vision
- 19:44 – Platner’s warning about missing the opportunity for change
- 20:42 – Platner shares campaign details and call for grassroots support
Guest Info & Call to Action
Graham Platner – Maine Senate Candidate
- Website: gram4senate.com
- Platner emphasizes small-dollar donations and volunteer-driven organizing, rejecting corporate PAC money.
Summary
This energizing episode exposes the corrupt entanglements of the so-called “Epstein class,” argues that both parties and the broader public are awakening to the reality of entrenched elite exploitation, and calls for bold, systemic action—beyond political labels—to reclaim democracy for working people. With testimony from a Senate candidate fighting this battle firsthand, the podcast challenges listeners to demand real accountability and embrace transformative politics.